Liverpool band The Searchers to play final show at Glastonbury

By Rachel Walker

Merseybeat group The Searchers are set to perform their last-ever show at this year’s Glastonbury Festival in June after nearly 70 years of touring.

Commonly known as the ‘longest-running band in pop history’, The Searchers had the first of their three UK number ones in 1963 when their version of The Drifters’ hit “Sweets For My Sweet” released to acclaim.

Formed in Liverpool in 1959 by Mike Pender and John McNally, the band has been playing continuously, albeit with various line-up changes, for 68 years.

The band’s current line-up comprises McNally, Frank Allen, Spencer James, and Richie Burns.

Having rose to fame in the early 1960s as part of Liverpool’s Merseybeat scene, which also spawned The Beatles, The Searchers will conclude their Final Farewell tour down on Worthy Farm on 27 June.

Long-awaited Glastonbury debut finally arrives

“A Glastonbury debut at 83 – can anyone top that? I don’t think life gets any better, does it?,” McNally said in an interview after the band announced the upcoming show.

“There will be a few nerves, but in a good way, and we’ll be nicely warmed up from our shows in June. We can’t wait to see our fans again for this incredible final farewell.”

Bassist and singer Allen, who joined the group in 1964, said: “I have played shows across the world with The Searchers for over 60 years. Glastonbury has always been an ambition that has eluded us – until now.

“The Searchers are finally performing at the greatest music festival of them all. What a way to round off a tour and a career. I can’t wait to get up on stage and give our fans one final blast.”

The band has sold more than 50 million records worldwide and is known to have influenced artists such as Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen.

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